Islet cell transplantation clinic
Islet cells are cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
An islet cell transplant is a treatment option for:
- some people with type 1 diabetes
- people who have had their pancreas removed
See the Self-management resources on our Diabetes page for more information on islet cell therapy.
Islet cell transplant (for people with type 1 diabetes)
The first successful islet cell transplant for a person with type 1 diabetes in the UK was at King’s College Hospital.
Islet transplantation is an option for people with type 1 diabetes who:
- have severe hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels)
- and this has not been improved by any other interventions. For example, structured diabetes education, and diabetes technology (an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring)
It may also be an option for people with type 1 diabetes who have had, or need, a kidney transplant due to kidney failure.
During an islet cell transplant, the recipient is put under local anaesthetic and light sedation, and islet cells are infused into their liver.
To prevent the body rejecting the donated cells, recipients need to take immunosuppression tablets for life.
Removal of the pancreas and auto-islet transplant (for people with chronic pancreatitis)
This is a treatment option for people experiencing severe pain from chronic pancreatitis (longstanding inflammation of the pancreas) and all other treatments have not worked.
It is a major operation, and removing the pancreas automatically causes diabetes. However, during the procedure, islet cells from the removed pancreas are infused back into the liver. This may help stabilise the diabetes and make it easier to control blood sugar levels.
There is no need to take immunosuppression tablets. This is because the cells are the patient’s own, so they will not be rejected.
Location
Suite 9, Third Floor, Golden Jubilee Wing, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS
Contact Details
Liver Outpatient Department (general and follow-up appointment queries): 020 3299 4979
Eligibility criteria
Islet transplantation for people with type 1 diabetes
- Type 1 diabetes for 5 years or more, aged 18 to 65 years with two or more episodes of problematic severe hypoglycaemia in the last 2 years with impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia, or:
- Type 1 diabetes, aged 18 to 65 years, with functioning kidney transplant (eGFR more than 40 ml/min) with either a history of severe hypoglycaemia over the last 2 years, or suboptimal glucose control – HbA1c more than 53 mmol/mol (7.0%)
Total pancreatectomy and auto-islet transplantation
- Chronic pancreatitis that has been resistant to all other treatments, as assessed by the Hepatologist at King’s College Hospital
- No previous history of diabetes and with normal blood glucose levels
How to refer
Islet transplantation for people with type 1 diabetes:
GPs should refer via e-RS.
Diabetes specialists can refer to King’s Diabetes Clinic by email: [email protected]
Total pancreatectomy and auto-islet transplantation for people with chronic pancreatitis:
Referral from GP, hepatologist or gastroenterologist to King’s HPB (hepatobiliary and pancreas) surgical clinic
Key Clinical Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Dr Marilia Calcia | Consultant Clinical Psychiatrist |
| Dr Yee Cheah | Consultant Diabetes Physician |
| Amy Cunningham | Islet Transplant Coordinator |
| Rachel Davies | TPAIT Specialist Nurse |
| Kaylee Lovie | Lead Diabetes Specialist Nurse |
| Mr Parthi Srinivasan | HPB and Transplant Surgeon |